As everyone is well aware, the One S has chipping issues. The question here is, what can you do to prevent it? The grey one doesn't cut it for me, its' brother One X is too big and pricey. Many probably share this thought, and have been looking at the black One S, only to find out this horrific problem. So, what can one do to prevent it, aside from HTC hopefully improving the coating?
Now there are these nano-coatings defending against dust and scratches, with or without additional help of screen-protectors. There are nano-sprays available to simply spray on the screen for it to form a protective layer. There are also coatings available which are able to protect phones from submersion in water - even though the coating is then extended to the inside hardware, of course. My question, however, is whether such coating can be used to defend the MAO coating on the One S. A few major questions arise here - what coating would work, which one would adhere to the material? What will the feel of the coating on the material be, would you end up with a plastic feeling phone, let alone the look of it? Or would there be a spray which works in small amounts, only providing a very small but effective protecting layer?
I was all hoping for black One S but after this chipping issue and a review on both where editor picked the grey one, now I am glad T-mobile USA is getting it instead of MAO
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So I just ordered some ghost armor after hearing alot of great reviews and finding a 20% off promo code. Looking for some of your opinions on this product. I've read it's a pain to apply but after it cures it's an amazing product.My plan is to couple it w/my otterbox. After installation I'll update the thread a review
Sent from my Nexus One
Best reviews over all the protective skins out there, plus warranty. Pain to install but worth the trouble. Coupled w/ a high end case (otter box/casemate) is the ultimate protection combo
Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk
Ghost Armor Review
I have an LG Nitro HD which has 329 ppi, just a little more dense than iPhone 4. It is absolutely stunning in sharpness and color rendition as well as brightness. The screen is already scratch-proof (it's made of Gorilla Glass). I tried scratching the glass with my razor sharp Swiss Army knife, it doesn't scratch. Believe me, I tested just the corner (beyond the borders of the display) and thought long and hard before attempting to scratch it.
So I got Ghost Armor for the screens of my wife's and my phones just for the oleophobic qualities (repels skin oils so doesn't look very smudgy after use). Many reviewers claim that there is no orange peel effect whatsoever. That claim is FALSE. It has a slight orange peel finish. The claim that it doesn't scratch is also false, it is in actuality scratch-resistant. I scratched it by moving the aforementioned pocket knife from side to side (perpendicular to the blade) as though shaving it. Since it is removable, this is not a problem whatsoever in my opinion. You can easily see the texture of the film on a dark screen. Also there are tiny imperfections in the surface (like pits), but they don't seem to affect the image quality of my screen, so I can't imagine a lower pixel density screen being affected. It does a great job of repelling fingerprints, but is not completely smudge-free. However it's easy to wipe with my shirt, which quickly removes the smudges.
The film doesn't have any sort of rubbery grip, at least not to objectionable proportions. Neither is it slippery as are some of the hard plastic screen protectors. I like the way it feels, and it is very thin.
We just had the screens done, there's no product for the back of our phones because it's textured. We declined to get the product for the sides and front. There's an approximately a two millimeter border around the Ghost Armor where the film doesn't reach the edge of the glass. There are voids to accommodate the front camera and sensors adjacent to it. None of those factors are objectionable. The product looks fine notwithstanding the imperfections mentioned in paragraphs above and below.
THE PROBLEM: After the first application on both of our phones there were very tiny bubbles under the film. They are numerous and look somewhat like streaks that result on glass after wiping with dilute soap. So we had it reapplied (which was done free of charge under warranty). The only hassle was having to wait for the order to come in then return to the mall cart where Ghost Armor's very polite salespeople are. Our phone model is so new and possibly not that popular tha the don't stock the product for our phones. We have the same effect (though not identical position of the "streaks") with the new application.
I am not sure whether to request a refund or give them another shot. They really do stand behind the product, but it simply doesn't meet my expectations. They get two stars because they stand behind their product, and because their salespeople are very polite and forthright.
I'm wondering about the match of these two together... around the edges. Being an epileptic I really don't prefer the thinnest possible glass as it's not only dropping the phone I'm worried about. Epilepsy is kind of an "uncontrolled breakdance disease" so phone abuse might be more violent than just a regular drop in the pavement. But what glass thickness will an Otterbox Commuter allow around the edges... if it actually goes far enough over the phone's edges to reach the tempered glass. (I don't know that either, since I haven't bought the case yet.)
Are there any experiences out there? Thickness suggestions? Maybe suggestions of glass covers if it's a "some will and some won't" issue?
Berthaconners524 said:
I have the commuter, and a regular "non-glass" screen protector. I've been doing a lot of reading about the glass, and the general consensus is that it does break with wear, usually pretty easily. I have a friend at work whose daughter has epilepsy, and I understand your concern. Best of luck to you, dear.
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Everything breaks with wear. That's one of the things we can't get around. But I do think that a tempered glass layer has more to offer than the thin plastic film when it comes to abuse that's worse than keys and coins... and even if the hit breaks the screen protector, chance is still good that the phone's display will be intact.
Not to forget the bonus that comes with a glass protector... a glass display feels much nicer.
Berthaconners524 said:
I understand that all things do break with wear, but I suppose I cannot comment on the aesthetic of the glass, as I've never tried it yet. But I guess I just like my piece of plastic. I have no complaints. But I might be an exception, and I'm fine with that.
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I'm not the picky type myself. I have no problem enjoying my phone like it is today, with a (cheap) fingerprint attracting and bubbly plastic protector. The extra protection is all that I'm after... and if the glass protector comes with a nicer feeling, I just have to live with it. :silly:
I've seen somebody with this combo before. It actually fit nicely. He was using a bodyguards protector I think. Whatever one they sell at the AT&T store.
What are people's thoughts on removing the black/white paint on the metal sides so that the whole trim is silver/brushed aluminium? Good or bad idea?
What would be the best way to do it? Rubbing lightly with a scourer while holding a vacuum nozzle nearby to make sure fine particles don't get into the phone?
Some sort of solvent?
What sort of problems could occur?
xda.member said:
What are people's thoughts on removing the black/white paint on the metal sides so that the whole trim is silver/brushed aluminium? Good or bad idea?
What would be the best way to do it? Rubbing lightly with a scourer while holding a vacuum nozzle nearby to make sure fine particles don't get into the phone?
Some sort of solvent?
What sort of problems could occur?
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Sorry to say but it sounds like a bad idea.. How do you know it's all brushed silver underneath? I guess, as long as you don't scratch it with too much force, you will be fine.. Not sure about the parts surrounding the antenna's though
First, the material is definitely not silver. Most likely aluminum unless samsung went with magnesium like moto did.
From careful inspection the shiny aluminum bezel is not a single piece along with the painted frame so I can't guarantee you that they are even the same material and appear the same once the paint is stripped off.
Finally, paint seems highly unlikely. Note 3 had painted plastic frames which deteriorated very quick. If it's using aluminum my best guess would be that it's been anodized.
Not an expert but to get rid of anodizing I believe you dunk the material in a pool of solvent which I definitely don't think you want to do with your phone.
I definitely wouldn't try to remove it by rubbing it, you would end up with uneven areas.
tospace2006 said:
First, the material is definitely not silver. Most likely aluminum unless samsung went with magnesium like moto.
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I probably should have said silver coloured not silver as I agree that the material is definitely not silver. I have noticed some people mentioning that their note 4/note edge had easily developed scratches on the coloured part of the frame. I was wondering if this meant the coating was not extremely hard to remove. If a very gentle abrasive pad was rubbed along the sides in a consistent lengthwise motion, do you think that it would scratch it enough to expose the metal underneath? I am not really considering this for myself as I am super careful with my phones (although I don't use a case) but if someone's sides got very scratched up then would this be an option to hide the scratches within many small scratches (brushed look)?
I agree that we can't really tell what is under the coating in terms of colour or joins etc.
xda.member said:
I probably should have said silver coloured not silver as I agree that the material is definitely not silver. I have noticed some people mentioning that their note 4/note edge had easily developed scratches on the coloured part of the frame. I was wondering if this meant the coating was not extremely hard to remove. If a very gentle abrasive pad was rubbed along the sides in a consistent lengthwise motion, do you think that it would scratch it enough to expose the metal underneath? I am not really considering this for myself as I am super careful with my phones (although I don't use a case) but if someone's sides got very scratched up then would this be an option to hide the scratches within many small scratches (brushed look)?
I agree that we can't really tell what is under the coating in terms of colour or joins etc.
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Unless you have worked with aluminum before and have extensive experience in working with it. I doubt that even if you could rub it off you would never be able to do it evenly.
Basically you will do more damage than you would hide most likely
I can see it now people opening up phone body shops for custom paint jobs..and not just screen repairs. .lol
Sent from my SM-N915V using XDA Free mobile app
Its aluminium underneath the paint.
Its aluminium underneath the paint. Atleast for the white model. Just a thick coat of white paint over the aluminium. Saw a demo phone's paint chipped due to a dent so I know for sure.
nishant786 said:
Its aluminium underneath the paint. Atleast for the white model. Just a thick coat of white paint over the aluminium. Saw a demo phone's paint chipped due to a dent so I know for sure.
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i'll wait till it chips itself off
klect said:
i'll wait till it chips itself off
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Ya if this ever happens I'll just let it all chip haha I doubt I'd be ever be able to get a smooth finish once again.
I don't think it will ever chip off. The finish is very well done and nothing like the paint over plastic of previous galaxy phones.
Hi there, people,
This is the first high end smarthphone I have ever owned and I am quite at loss with the case selecting issue. On one hand, the device looks awesome without any case, and it's been marketed as "no need for a case". On the other, I would absolutely hate discovering a scratch in my brand new Z5 Compact, at least while the device is less than a year old.
So, I ask the following question to the community: Which case (brand) have you been using with your Z5C (or other high end phones)? "No case" is also an answer, if you've been using a S6E without case since launch, I would love to know, as I wouldn't expect the Z5C to endure less.
I wouldn't mind paying premium for a premium case, in fact, my goto option would be the official Sony case, but in this particular case, I happen to find it hideous.
Thanks!!
PS: Any comments about the screen protectors would be welcomed, tempered crystal, plastic... I always suspected that it was a scam.
Tempered glass protections aren't a scam. They don't protect a lot better from scratches than plastic in MOST situations, but there can be that one time were an extra sharp thing goes through the plastic pretty much instantaneously and leaves your screen with a nasty scratch. Glass screen protectors also stick better in my opinion, leave no bubbles, and feel a lot better to the touch. You don't even need an expensive one, I bought two for 5$ on ebay, from a brand I never heard of and they're great. If you pay more, the fit will be better, it can be thinner, etc, but any is better than none. Plus, where the plastic protector scratches easily, the glass one will stay pristine a lot longer. You should try a cheap one to see the added comfort they add and decide from that.
Regarding cases, depends on what you want. There are other threads (1, 2) where you can see if there's anything you like. Also, since the phone just came out, there's not a lot of choice out there, most are chinese brands and rebrands of the same thing. You can always get one that protects and is cheap and get a better one once there's more variety. I have been using this one, it's not great, I like a bit more protection but it does a better job than going nude while I wait for a better choice.
Yeah, like NPK06 said, the tempered* glass screen protectors aren't a scam.
There's pretty much two types of screen protectors for phones. Plastic (PET film) or glass.
With a plastic one you tend to lose the slick feel of the glass and depending on the quality it could affect the clarity or colors and so on.
Plastic protectors also scratch relatively easily and the application is horrid as it's not a rigid object you're trying to lower on the phone.
Glass protectors are made from, glass, doh. Same stuff as there is on your phone. No loss in feel or clarity and so on.
Typically 0.2-0.4mm in thickness, tempered, oleophobic coating (literally "fear of oil") which resists finger prints and makes the glass easy to clean, nowadays they've got rounded edges as well. And high surface hardness (8-9H) so they're tough to scratch.
Easy application. All you need to make sure is to just line it up carefully. They adhere themselves pretty amazingly. Sometimes it starts automagically from one of edge of the protector and sometimes you need to press on the center of the glass to start the process.
Heres couple of examples
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nle4XIrtBRw&t=16s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H5p4d3UhEk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpJv8tO5Am4
It really is as simple as that. Clean, wipe, align, lower it down. Voila. Easy even for me with my big fingers
A tempered glass screen protector really is a nice thing to have. In case you drop the phone, the protector could take the front of the blow.
So instead of cracking the glass of your phone, only the screen protector would crack.
With my One M7, it once dropped. The phone bumped against a round metal object.
Point of impact was at the long side edge of phone at 45 degrees so not directly at/parallel to the screen or not directly at the side of the phone. The edge of the screen protector took the force of the impact, tiny section of the edge crumbled into small little not-sharp-pieces and then started a hair line fracture from the point of impact.
The glass of the phone was unaffected. That's pretty remarkable considering the glass on the M7 is from edge to edge.
I can not recommend these glass screen protectors enough! They're hell of a lot cheaper than having to repair a cracked screen!
And there are also tempered glass protectors for backs, eg. for Xperia Z phones.
StilGut is one of the brands that offers front and back tempered glass protectors for Z5 series.
You can find them from Amazon and so on, or from their home page. If you are in Europe ordering from their home page is better, the front+back protector is 19.99€ + shipping inside EU 4.5€. And apparently you can get a 5€ promo code if you sign up for their newsletter.
On Amazon it was 20$.
Disclaimer though, I have never personally used StilGut products myself, I just came aware of their products on the Z5 accessories forum by another user. Just letting you know they exist and the price point.
* Tempered (or toughened) glass basically means that the glass has gone through a thermal or chemical process to increase it's strength.
The surface of the glass is in compression and the inside of the glass is in tension. If the glass breaks, instead of splintering into jagged shards, toughened glass breaks into small granular chunks.
Thank you both for your kind replies. I finally got into the shotgun solution: bought several cases with the hope that one of them fulfil my needs and the Stilgut screen protector. I might post some reviews after some testing, specially for the Stilgut, after I have tested its oleophobicness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUsTSk6xjjo&t=388s
According to this guy's tests, a plastic one is better if you want to prevent your screen cracking from impacts and fall damage.
The persistent rumor that the opposite is true doesn't even make sense to a scientist such as myself - glass is hard and brittle, and will transfer impact energy to the screen, while plastic is soft and will dissipate a lot of that energy.
I almost never drop my phone, but wear it in the pocket all the time with tiny dust etc which might cause scratches. Aslo I hate the feeling of a plastic foil on the screen, its just not as smooth as a glas surface. That's why I use the tempered screen protector.
nabbed said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUsTSk6xjjo&t=388s
According to this guy's tests, a plastic one is better if you want to prevent your screen cracking from impacts and fall damage.
The persistent rumor that the opposite is true doesn't even make sense to a scientist such as myself - glass is hard and brittle, and will transfer impact energy to the screen, while plastic is soft and will dissipate a lot of that energy.
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If plastic meaning those THICC Rhinoshield types, I can actually concur with this. Unfortunately, scratch resistance wise (and even puncture resistance), seems plastic doesn't do as well as glass owing to the much lower hardness... you cant make plastic 6H no matter how hard (ehem) you try.
Source, I've been using Rhinoshield-alike protectors for quite a while, with my previous phones and now with the OP6 - though I recently moved on to a matte TGSP (well, technically a TGSP with a matte film bonded to it looks like).
As for thin plastic protectors, even the vinyl types, I'm pretty sure they're too thin to actually absorb anything TBH, but I can be wrong. Note that the guy in the video did say "plastic of equivalent thickness to a glass protector" being more resistant to impact.
On the flip side however, did you also factor in the dispersion of force when a glass protector breaks apart? That alone might already save the real stuff underneath from suffering the same fate under more realistic conditions (drops, minor impact), considering people don't usually go through the "huge-metal-ball-to-screen" thing in real life all that often.
eiraku said:
If plastic meaning those THICC Rhinoshield types, I can actually concur with this. Unfortunately, scratch resistance wise (and even puncture resistance), seems plastic doesn't do as well as glass owing to the much lower hardness... you cant make plastic 6H no matter how hard (ehem) you try.
Source, I've been using Rhinoshield-alike protectors for quite a while, with my previous phones and now with the OP6 - though I recently moved on to a matte TGSP (well, technically a TGSP with a matte film bonded to it looks like).
As for thin plastic protectors, even the vinyl types, I'm pretty sure they're too thin to actually absorb anything TBH, but I can be wrong. Note that the guy in the video did say "plastic of equivalent thickness to a glass protector" being more resistant to impact.
On the flip side however, did you also factor in the dispersion of force when a glass protector breaks apart? That alone might already save the real stuff underneath from suffering the same fate under more realistic conditions (drops, minor impact), considering people don't usually go through the "huge-metal-ball-to-screen" thing in real life all that often.
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I agree with what you said. All of these factors are important. I haven't done the tests myself, but when I saw the video, it reminded me of a sales rep at a Verizon store trying to sell me a glass screen protector over the plastic one, trying to convince me that glass is better than plastic for impact resistance. It didn't make sense at the time, and this video seems to confirm my initial gut reaction.
Hence the thread.
nabbed said:
I agree with what you said. All of these factors are important. I haven't done the tests myself, but when I saw the video, it reminded me of a sales rep at a Verizon store trying to sell me a glass screen protector over the plastic one, trying to convince me that glass is better than plastic for impact resistance. It didn't make sense at the time, and this video seems to confirm my initial gut reaction.
Hence the thread.
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Well, at least for impact resistance alone, yeah the guy might be wrong. But the guy was probably just trying to sell his stuff from a fact sheet and might not know any better either lol.
On the other hand, one still needs to keep in mind that we're not only trying to protect the screen against impact here. Scratches are probably an even worse problem TBH in day to day use. As such, in the end its probably best that materials use offer a good balance of impact AND scratch protection, which IMHO, a "properly designed" Glass protector "should" be able to do in a more balanced way then a Plastic one.
Although, if impact protection is ALL you need your screen protector to be good at, then yeah I'd say a thick plastic sheet protector like the Rhinoshield (and it's OEM brethren the X-One and the Rastabanana) is probably top dog.